Have you been trying to cut on dairy products? Do you wish to go with the latest ‘vegan trend?’ Well, if that is the case you must be wondering how to keep up with being a caffeine addict while going vegan. In effect, you’ll be happy to know that all types of coffee are vegan. That is to say, there is no such thing as vegan coffee. In fact, coffee beans are plant-derived which naturally makes them vegan.
On the other hand, preparing a coffee with animal milk makes the drink non-vegan.
That’s why you must go for dairy-free options when trying to maintain your veganism. Black coffee is another option for vegans and is quite healthy too. However, if you enjoy the creamy flavour, you can go for oat milk, almond milk and many other non-dairy alternatives.
Veganism is not only healthy but is also an attempt to save the animals from exploitation. When you decide to go vegan, you have to look for plant-derived protein sources. As a matter of fact, it is a hard task. Oat milk, soya milk, almond milk, coconut milk and hemp milk are some of those vegan protein sources.
Vegan coffee can be an important part of your plant-based diet.
As it is, coffee is full of antioxidants and Vitamin B. Adding to this, we all are fond of the intoxicating aroma and flavour of the coffee. Incorporating vegan coffee into your diet is great for a happy soul and a healthy body.
What is Vegan Coffee?
The coffee beans which the manufacturers grind and use in drinks are themselves vegan. On the other hand, it is not as simple as it sounds. When you choose veganism, you should learn to go beyond food. It is a lifestyle choice which promotes health as well as care for the planet. In effect, you should pay attention to the processing, packaging and exportation of the coffee you use.
The coffee beans come from the purple fruits of the coffee plant.
The natural form of coffee is green. After a whole process of harvesting and shipping, we get the coffee beans. The manufacturers then roast it which gives it a brown colour.
The question regarding it being vegan arises when we don’t consider the insecticides and pesticides used. Not only those but also the spices and syrups used in the process and whether the manufacturers used reusable cups. In effect, if you are careless when buying ground coffee or coffee beans, you might be consuming something which is not vegan. To clarify, it is important for you to go for options which claim to be vegan.
All in all, coffee in its natural form is vegan, but you need to be careful with the processing of the one you buy. The original vegan coffee is that which does not use animal-based preservatives or spices in its production.
What is Vegan Vietnamese Coffee?
This coffee from Vietnam comprises two ingredients which are coffee and condensed milk. The condensed milk, for obvious reasons, is non-dairy.
This coffee came to Vietnam in the 19th century when the French introduced it. Over time, Vietnam started producing its own coffee and became one of the largest exporters in the world. Vietnam mostly produces robusta coffee beans due to its climatal limitations. The farmers produce Robusta at lower altitudes, unlike arabica.
As a result, we use the former to prepare vegan Vietnamese coffee. The downside of robusta coffee is that it is more bitter and has a stronger flavour than arabica. In effect, you need condensed milk to make Vietnamese coffee. To clarify, it would balance the bitterness of robusta coffee. It depends on your preference to sweeten the condensed milk with vegan brown or coconut sugar. The creamy and thick flavour of condensed milk makes this coffee an absolute joy.
Vegan Vietnamese coffee is another option to explore when you choose to go vegan. It is quite popular around the world and a favourite in most Vietnamese households.
The Benefits of Plant-Based Coffee
Plant-based coffee or vegan coffee has quite a number of health benefits.
According to a study, plant-based coffee reduces the risk of depression. The relative risk of suicide decreased by 13% due to the consumption of coffee daily. The people who consume coffee for life have about 65% less risk of Alzheimer’s disease and lower risks of dementia.
Not limited to this, coffee consumption reduces the cholesterol levels in the body. It also reduces the risks of liver, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer. If you go for decaffeinated options of vegan coffee, it might reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes.
To clarify, magnesium and polyphenols might help in the same. The antioxidants present in coffee also help in promoting long life, with lower risks of chronic diseases.
To enjoy the maximum benefits of coffee, you should try to maintain its natural form. That is to say, you should prefer not to dilute it with milk. Back brewed coffee is the healthiest vegan option. If you check the dilution of coffee, whichever milk you prefer, you can also reduce the risks of weight gain. You should include plant-based coffee in your daily diet. All in all, coffee is best when had as a part of breakfast since it helps you maintain a happy mind.
5 Best Vegan Coffee Brands
When choosing vegan coffee, it is best to go for those options which claim to be organic. This would help you maintain your vegan diet and ensure the originality of your plant-based coffee.
- Bones Coffee Company Shark Bite Buttered Rum Coffee: This coffee comprises artisan roasted coffee beans. The coffee beans are hand-picked and roasted in small batches. This coffee is 100% arabica. It is available in both whole beans or grounded options. It costs $15.99 per 12 ounces.
- GOODSAM- Organic Arabica Ground Coffee: This coffee option suits all kinds of diets such as keto, paleo, gluten-free and organic. The company obtains it through sustainable farming and the manufacturers prefer direct trade with the farmers. It is free from any chemical fertilisers which makes it a great vegan coffee. The per ounce price for this is $18.
- Neuroast Caramel Pecan Cluster Mushroom Coffee: This organic ground coffee is actually artisan roasted coffee and 100% real mushroom extracts. Its price is $18.48 per pack which contains 30 servings.
- Well Bean Hot Mess Premium: This coffee has its place in the top 3% of coffees in the world. The coffee beans are organically grown and hand-picked. It is available for $14.99 dollars per 12 ounces.
- Acoeats Flavoured Coffee: It is a gluten-free, keto-friendly coffee and has 100% arabica coffee beans. You can get it for $34.99 for a pack of two.
These coffees are perfect vegan options for you.
Ingredients Required To Make Vegan Iced Coffee
To balance taste with health, a vegan iced coffee would be a perfect choice. This coffee is easy, delectable and refreshing. Here are the ingredients required to prepare your soul-satisfying vegan iced coffee.
- 1 Tablespoon of Coffee: You can use a cold brewed coffee or a high-quality instant coffee. If you choose cold brewed coffee it will be healthier for your gut but it takes up to 12 hours of preparation. In effect, instant coffee is a time-saving choice.
- 200ml of Plant-Based Milk: It can be any of your favourite plant-based milk. You can go for oat milk, almond milk or coconut milk. Coconut milk is a great option for this recipe.
- 1 Teaspoon of Sugar: This ingredient is optional. If you prefer sweetened coffee, you can add it. It is best to go for organic sugar options. Remember, to use the least processed brown sugar.
- 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla: You can add it to enhance the flavour or replace it with coffee syrup.
- A Handful of Ice Cubes: You need ice for the frozen flavour. It will also cool down your iced coffee.
- 100ml of Boiled Water: This will serve as the base of the coffee. You will have to add your coffee to it.
These are the only ingredients required for this 15-minute recipe. These ingredients will make up one big serving. On the other hand, if you want to increase the number of servings, increase the number of ingredients.
Tools Required to Make Vegan Iced Coffee
The best part of this recipe is that you do not need a coffee machine for it. There are no special tool requirements for vegan iced coffee. Here is all you require.
- A large mixing bowl
- A refrigerator
- An ice freezer ( mostly a part of the refrigerator)
Apart from a glass to pour your coffee in, you need only these to prepare this healthy mouth-watering iced coffee.
Vegan Iced Coffee Recipe
Here is the short and simple recipe to prepare your iced coffee. This coffee is a delicious add-on to your vegan breakfast. It could also be a great combination with a healthy vegan brunch. If you omit the sugar, this might be the healthiest way to kickstart your day. You can prepare this super easy recipe by following some simple steps.
- Step 1: Add 1 teaspoon of instant or cold brewed coffee, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence to boiled water.
- Step 2: Mix well and refrigerate in the fridge for 10 minutes. It needs to cool down.
- Step 3: Pour this mixture into a glass with partially filled ice. Remember, the glass should be large to accommodate more ice.
- Step 4: Add your choice of non-dairy milk to it, preferably coconut or oat milk.
- Step 5: You do not need to stir it, your vegan iced coffee is ready!
Isn’t this recipe extremely easy? The crunch of ice and the aroma of milk mixed with coffee will make you drool. Relish it with a bowl of high-protein chickpea salad or avocado taste and share the recipe with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information
This recipe is a vegan delight and so healthy for both your body and mind. You need not worry about the cholesterol content in the coffee. It is a vegan coffee so it ought to be healthy. Here is the nutritional information in the context of 1 serving of vegan iced coffee.
- Calories: 136 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 12 mg
- Sugar: 20 g ( if added)
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fibre: 1g
All in all, vegan iced coffee is low in fats and cholesterol and a perfect choice for a drink to consume to ensure fitness.
Guidelines
In order to enjoy coffee, it is important to educate yourself about ways which would help ensure that you derive maximum benefits from it. As you know, vegan coffee refers to coffee in a state nearest to its natural form. In addition, veganism emphasises the healthiest possible way of consuming coffee. For the same reason, you should follow these simple guidelines to have your vegan coffee, the right way.
- Choose Environment-Friendly Options: Veganism is not just about health and fitness. It is an endeavour to sustain the environmental resources. Vegans try to reduce the exploitation of animals and plant resources by consuming natural products. In effect, when you buy your vegan coffee, make sure that you research its label. The procedure should be cruelty-free and planet friendly. As a matter of fact, such coffee will be good for you and our mother earth.
- Ditch the Sugar: A coffee without sugar is as healthy as it can get. As a matter of fact, try having coffee without sugar to meet your fitness goals. In fact, white sugar is not healthy at all. Many of us have a habit of heaping our coffee with spoonfuls of sugar. If you master the art of controlling your sugar cravings, you will lead a long and healthy life. If at all, you crave a sweetener once in a while, go for stevia or honey instead.
- Grind coffee yourself: Most of us run short of time. As a result, we buy ground coffee. On the contrary, nothing is healthier than a cup of freshly ground coffee. You can buy coffee beans and use a coffee grinder for the task. Remember to grind as much as needed at a time. This way, you can ensure that you grind fresh coffee every time you want to have it.
FAQs
What Kind Of Coffee Do Vegans Drink?
Black coffee is the best option for vegans. Vegans don’t use coffee creamers which are dairy milk such as cow milk, buffalo milk or goat milk. If at all, vegans wish to add a creamy texture to their coffee, they add almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk. On the other hand, when choosing their coffee, vegans need to be careful with the overall processing of it. They should be free of chemical-based or animal-based fertilisers. Coffee obtained from organic farming is best for vegans. It is not only healthy but also good for the environment.
Is Coffee Suitable for Vegans?
Coffee is vegan friendly as it is grown on trees. To clarify, all kinds of coffee are vegan. On the other hand, it depends on the ethical grounds of processing particular coffee. If a brand does not claim natural production and healthy farming methods, your coffee might not be fully vegan. That is to say, coffee in its natural form is suitable for vegans but they should not buy it without researching its processing. It is best to choose coffee from brands which claim to be fully vegan coffee.
Which Vegan Milk Is Best For Coffee?
Oat milk and coconut milk are my favourite options when it comes to vegan coffee. The thick creamy texture of vegan milk adds a nice flavour to your coffee. On the other hand, oat milk is another popular milk used for coffee. You can also use almond milk but if you want to enjoy a froth in your coffee, oat milk might be the best option. If we consider nutrition, almond milk wins over the other. However, it is your taste and health motives which decide which milk you put in your vegan coffee.
What Do Vegans Drink Instead Of Coffee?
As I said, you can enjoy coffee as a part of your plant-based diet if you choose it wisely. If you want to cut down on coffee and have difficulty looking for a vegan option, there are other options. These could be green tea or turmeric latte. That is to say, there are enormous choices for vegans to replace their coffee with other drinks. In the present times, you can switch your drinks from tea to lattes without worrying about them being animal-based.
Why Is Tea Not Vegan?
Tea which is herbal or plant-based is vegan. On the contrary, if there are artificial flavours like honey or milk, it might be a threat to your vegan lifestyle. That is to say, unflavoured organic green tea or regular tea added to hot water will make up a vegan drink. Adding to it, you can also use it as a healthy alternative to your vegan coffee. Just like in the case of coffee, you need to be particular about the packaging and processing of tea. Caffeine-free teas made of plant-based materials are perfect for vegans.
Can Vegans Drink Almond Milk?
Almond milk is a good vegan-friendly milk alternative. In fact, it comprises only two main ingredients which are almonds and water. Almond is a nutritious nut and high in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. As a matter of fact, drinking almond milk is quite safe for vegans. It is also low in calories and fat content. You can also use it to create your coffee or add to your herbal tea.
Can Vegans have Sugar?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, sugar cannot be filtered through bone char. As a matter of fact, vegans can consume sugar without any worries. To ensure more safety towards consuming cruelty-free sugar, you can opt for raw sugar. The manufacturers skip the filtration process when making raw sugar. It is best to avoid white sugar although filtration through bone char is illegal at the present time.
In Conclusion
To conclude, all kinds of coffees are vegan coffee in their natural form. If you wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle and care for the environment, veganism might be perfect for you. It is important to research the packaging and exportation process of your coffee. To ensure it is vegan, you should make sure there are no animal-based chemicals used. There are a variety of options available in the market.
Vegan coffee might be a little expensive but it has enormous health benefits. The best vegan coffee drink is black coffee. On the other hand, you can use non-dairy milk alternatives if you wish. Vegans can even add sugar to their drinks but should keep in mind to choose organic sugar.
Vegan iced coffee is one such option which is perfect for a healthy morning breakfast. In order to enjoy the many benefits of coffee, you should ensure its farming methods are environmentally friendly. Vegan coffee is suitable for gluten-free and keto diets. By ensuring that you pick the best organically produced option, you can relish the benefits and the taste of natural, aromatic and intoxicating vegan coffee.
Would you like to give veganism a try? Have you ever tried vegan iced coffee? Let us know in the comments below!
Vegan Iced Coffee
Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- A refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 tsp coffee
- 200 ml of non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A handful of ice
- 100 ml boiled water
Instructions
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant or cold brewed coffee, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to boiled water.
- Mix well and refrigerate in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Pour this mixture into a glass with partially filled ice.
- Add your choice of non-dairy milk to it, preferably coconut or oat milk. Your vegan iced coffee is ready to be served!
Deeksha Tripathi is a Literature graduate and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration. Besides being a passionate writer, she is a fashion enthusiast.